Bioterrorism case postponed to May

The terrorism trial of the South African man accused of threatening to release foot and mouth disease in the UK has been postponed until May

Brian Roach, 64, a North West engineer, allegedly sent threatening e-mails and letters to the UK, demanding payment in return for not releasing a biological attack on the United Kingdom.

Roach allegedly demanded $4-million in exchange for not releasing foot and mouth disease within the borders of the United Kingdom.

He is accused of making similar threats against the United States.

The case was postponed until 10 May 2011, by the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

“The case was postponed… for police to continue with investigations and upon completion the accused must make written representations to the National Director of Public Prosecutions,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga.

“We expect it to be completed by then,” he added.

At Roach’s previous appearance, the defence indicated that it would make oral representations, but it did not.

“So now the director said he would prefer written representations and this would take time,” said Mhaga.

In February, Roach abandoned an application for bail and indicated that he intended challenging some aspects of the charge against him and whether it amounted to terrorism.

He also faces charges of extortion, money laundering and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents are apparently carrying out investigations in South Africa.

According to court papers, the threats were made to secure compensation for the losses incurred by the farming community of Zimbabwe.

This, after the United States and the United Kingdom brokered a settlement with Zimbabwe, coupled with their alleged failure to act against “the tyrant of hell”, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

An extract from an e-mail allegedly sent by Roach and attached to the charge sheet read: “We are not habitual criminals, but have been victim of a situation which was entirely out of our control and attributed to corrupt and incompetent politicians.”

Another e-mail read: “All I can say is that this action is the last resort after several years of fighting our cause.”

Roach, a South African national, was arrested in Hartbeespoort last month after a six-month investigation by South African, British and American authorities.

Mhaga said the United Kingdom was not considering an extradition at this stage as the trial was planned to be held in South Africa.